St. Vincent de Paul of Des Moines

DES MOINES, Iowa, 50314-2801 United States

Mission Statement

Since being established in Des Moines in 1924, the main focus of St. Vincent de Paul's work is to assist those living in poverty in becoming self-sufficient by helping to remove roadblocks as we walk with them on their journey out of poverty. The Des Moines Council operates two thrift stores, a social services department, and an education center. SVdP employs around 23 paid staff and many volunteers. All of our services are funded by local donations, grants, and sales from our Thrift Stores. The approach of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) is multifaceted, and intentionally diversified. Our goal is to treat the symptoms that have caused our clients to experience poverty, not just patch the problem with temporary financial assistance. As a result, our social services and education center work hand-in-hand to provide access to resources for those in need.

About This Cause

Since being established in Des Moines in 1924, the main focus of St. Vincent de Paul's work is to assist those living in poverty in becoming self-sufficient by helping to remove roadblocks as we walk with them on their journey out of poverty. The Des Moines Council operates two thrift stores, a social services department, and an education center. SVdP employs around 23 paid staff and many volunteers. All of our services are funded by local donations, grants, and sales from our Thrift Stores. The approach of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) is multifaceted, and intentionally diversified. Our goal is to treat the symptoms that have caused our clients to experience poverty, not just patch the problem with temporary financial assistance. As a result, our social services and education center work hand-in-hand to provide access to resources for those in need. These resources may include, but are not limited to: The Tom Varilek Education Center (TVEC) The Tom Varilek Education Center is a state-of-the-art classroom that includes a computer lab and interactive smart board. The TVEC comfortable seats up to fourteen students. The Director of the TVEC has over 40 years' experience as a teacher and administrator, serving students of all ages. He has spent the past six years assisting adults in reaching their full potential. Detailed Service Offerings • High School Equivalency Diploma (HiSED) Classes • Assistance with job and apartment services • Resume and cover letter creation or improvement • Basic computer classes, in English or Spanish • Tutoring in reading or math • National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) Assessment • Open lab time each week • Childwatch service offered to students while they attend class • Individual Mentors provided as needed The St. Vincent de Paul Social Services SVdP Social Services assists people from all corners of our community and surrounding areas. We help all in need, including those who may not qualify for services from other agencies. All of our services are on a first-come first-served process. Clients are given an appointment with a short intake interview process where their needs, expenses, and other hardships are discussed and assessed. Clients are then given food and other items, or are permitted to shop our pantries. If financial assistance is needed, and we are able to assist, a commitment of payment letter is given for an amount along with referrals to other partner agencies for additional resources. Assistance includes: *Emergency assistance with rent, electric bills, and water services *Food pantry *Personal care pantry *Elder care pantry *Infant products *Post Disaster assistance *Free clothing pantry *Furniture and household item assistance In total, Social Services has served 694 families this year with financial assistance, 9,541 individuals with food and clothing assistance, and over 500 clients with furniture and household items. Through our financial services, pantries, and our store giveaways we have assisted the community with $958,630.00 of charity this fiscal year. Please Donate Your New or Gently Used Clothing, Household Items, Furniture to Serve People in Need in the Greater Des Moines Area at: • The St. Vincent de Paul main campus located at 1426 6th Avenue in Des Moines (8:30-4:30 including local pickup) • 109 SW 63rd in Des Moines from (9:30-5:30) Will you join us in “Ending Poverty Through Systemic Change?”

St. Vincent de Paul of Des Moines
1426 6Th Ave
DES MOINES, Iowa 50314-2801
United States
Phone 5152828327
Unique Identifier 426021808